Is Girlhood The New Adulthood?
Because let's face it, being grown-up is boring
There is a strange, silent rebellion happening, not the kind that manifests in protest signs or loud slogans, but in jelly sandals, satin ribbons and an unexpected return to soft toys. Sharp, stylish and literate women are quietly reclaiming their girlhood and it’s not only about nostalgia. Could it be a subtle refusal of the adulthood we were sold? A gentle but powerful act of freedom wrapped up in a bow. Or perhaps a way of resisting the performance of the “having it all” and “having your shit together” mentalities of adulthood? Let’s be real, today’s woman faces a never-ending onslaught of notifications, emails, bills and a greige kitchen with nothing interesting to say. Being soft and girly has all of a sudden become subversive, and having fun even more so.
This rebellion hasn’t come out of nowhere, It’s no surprise that after years of burnout culture, economic instability and collective trauma the traditional ideas of adulthood have started to feel hollow and incredibly dull. The stories we were told and the promises of security, order and fulfillment that were supposed to be a natural part of being a grown-up have failed to deliver. So why not return to what we know brought us joy once upon a time?
If Sofia Coppola gave girlhood its cinematic myth starting with the release of The Virgin Suicides, Lana Del Rey sure as hell gave it a soundtrack and together they created the magic recipe for a world where girlhood didn’t have to end, a dreamy, melancholic space where it could be honoured and not outgrown. A world that I (personally) want to live in.
Reclaiming girlhood is about finding a new version of grown-up life where joy and play are not indulgences but essentials that can be accessible each day. Of course, the way we reclaim girlhood today isn’t just cinematic or lyrical it’s also tactile, showing up subtlety in the things we wear, the objects we keep close to heart, the small rituals of softness we make room for or even the (girl) dinners we eat.
A baby tee, a Hello Kitty pocket mirror that you lovingly apply your favourite lipbalm (Before there was Rhode there was Lancôme juicy tubes!) with, a soft toy keychain nonchalantly hanging from a designer handbag, a satin bow perched delicately upon a shoe or a sleek ponytail, or jelly sandals worn with pristine french manicured toenails. I’m all for embracing girlhood in the everyday and had so much fun putting together this collage of my current favourite lolita-esque items that I hope you will also enjoy.
Chloé is hitting all the right notes of childhood nostalgia with this sandal whilst still being chic
Hello kitty pocket mirror, for cute make-up encounters
Sofia Coppola, Virgin Suicides book - aka the girlhood bible
Marvis pink toothpaste to match your baby pink toothbrush
Sophie Buhai classic silk bow
Lipbalm from Rhode
Set from Sandy Liang
Vintage pink suede bag
Alice <3